community health centers

Ten months into the year, the state’s health care landscape has seen steadier footing.

When the announcement came that Dorchester’s Carney Hospital was set to close on an expedited, 36-day timeline, community members expressed concerns that the loss of the neighborhood’s only hospital would increase the burden on surrounding health organizations and increase the time it takes for patients to access care.

Last month’s announcement from Steward Health Care that it would close Carney Hospital in Dorchester sent shockwaves through the community. The move earned rebuke and pushback from local community leaders and elected officials who said the closure could worsen existing health disparities. But for the community health centers right in the hospital’s shadow, Carney’s pending closure means bracing for the potential influx of new patients in a system that is often already at its limits.

Three health centers in the metro Boston area will pilot research to address health care inequities in communities historically affected by slavery through a Harvard University grant.

As big chain pharmacies shutter stores in Boston and across the country, local advocates are looking to independent pharmacy stores and community health centers to fill the gaps that are left behind.

Whittier Street Health Center has received a trio of federal awards for excellence in pandemic patient care and the use of technology to improve health outcomes.

Officials at Boston’s community health centers, taking their message deep into the neighborhoods, are encouraging residents to get vaccinated as flu season begins —and before they get sick.